Using Your Chase Credit Card Abroad: What Works and What Doesn't
Yes, you can use your Chase credit card internationally, but you need to know the fees and which cards charge less
Most Chase credit cards work outside the United States, but the cost depends on which card you have and where you're using it. Chase charges a foreign transaction fee on most cards — typically 3% of every purchase you make in another country or in a foreign currency. Some Chase cards don't charge this fee at all, which can save you hundreds of dollars on a longer trip.
Before you leave, you should contact Chase to let them know you're traveling. This prevents your card from being blocked as fraud when it's used in an unfamiliar location. You can do this through the Chase mobile app, online at chase.com, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Key Takeaways
- Most Chase cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States, but a few cards have no foreign transaction fee at all.
- You should notify Chase before traveling so your card isn't blocked when used in another country.
- ATM withdrawals abroad typically cost more than purchases — Chase charges a 3% foreign transaction fee plus an ATM fee, and the foreign bank may charge an additional fee.
- Chip-and-PIN technology is standard on Chase cards, so you can use them at most payment terminals worldwide, though some older machines may still ask for a signature.
- If your card is lost or stolen while traveling, call the number on the back of your card or contact Chase directly — they can issue a replacement or send emergency cash.
Which Chase cards have no foreign transaction fees
Chase offers a small number of cards that don't charge the standard 3% foreign transaction fee. The Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Infinite are the main ones. These are premium cards, meaning they have annual fees (typically $95 to $550), but if you travel regularly, the savings on foreign transaction fees can offset that cost.
Most other Chase cards — including the Chase Freedom, Chase Freedom Unlimited, and Chase Slate — do charge the 3% foreign transaction fee. If you have one of these cards and don't travel often, paying the fee on occasional purchases is usually cheaper than upgrading to a premium card just for the fee waiver.
You can check your specific card's terms by logging into your Chase account online or calling the customer service number on your card. The foreign transaction fee policy is listed in your card's benefits guide.
How foreign transaction fees actually work
When you use your Chase card abroad, the merchant's bank converts the purchase price from the local currency into U.S. dollars. Chase then adds 3% to that converted amount (on most cards). This fee is charged whether you're buying a coffee in London or paying for a hotel in Tokyo — it applies to any transaction in a foreign currency or made outside the United States.
The fee is calculated on the converted amount, not the original price. So if you spend 50 euros and the conversion rate is 1 euro = $1.10, your purchase is $55 in U.S. dollars, and Chase charges 3% of $55 ($1.65), not 3% of the original 50 euros. This means the total cost to you is $56.65.
Some merchants abroad offer to charge your card in U.S. dollars instead of the local currency — this is called dynamic currency conversion. Avoid this option. The exchange rate they offer is almost always worse than what your bank would use, and you still pay the foreign transaction fee on top of it.
Using ATMs and cash withdrawals internationally
Withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad costs more than making a purchase. Chase charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on the withdrawal amount, plus an ATM fee (usually $3 to $5 per transaction). The foreign bank that owns the ATM may also charge you an additional fee, which you'll see on your receipt.
For example, if you withdraw 100 euros from an ATM in Spain, Chase converts it to U.S. dollars (let's say $110), charges 3% ($3.30), and adds its ATM fee ($3 to $5). The foreign bank may add another $2 to $3. Your total cost for that withdrawal could be $8 to $11 just in fees — roughly 7% to 10% of the amount you withdrew.
If you need cash abroad, it's usually cheaper to withdraw a larger amount fewer times rather than making multiple small withdrawals. This spreads the per-transaction fees across more money. Some travelers also use a no-foreign-transaction-fee checking account paired with a debit card to avoid these charges, though debit cards offer less fraud protection than credit cards.
Chip-and-PIN technology and how to use your card at terminals
All Chase credit cards now come with an EMV chip — the small metallic square on the front of your card. This chip is the international standard for card security and works at most payment terminals worldwide. When you insert your card into a terminal, the chip authenticates the transaction, which is more secure than the magnetic stripe on the back.
In most countries outside the United States, you'll be asked to enter your PIN (the same four-digit code you use at U.S. ATMs) instead of signing a receipt. If a terminal asks for a signature, you can sign as you normally would. Some older machines, particularly in smaller towns or rural areas, may not accept chip cards at all — in those cases, you may need to use cash or find a different payment method.
If a terminal rejects your card, it's usually because the machine is outdated or there's a temporary connection issue, not because your card doesn't work internationally. Try a different terminal or merchant. If you're having repeated problems, contact Chase to confirm your card hasn't been flagged.
What to do if your card is lost or stolen abroad
If your Chase card is lost or stolen while you're traveling, call the number on the back of your card immediately. Chase has international customer service lines that operate 24/7, so you can reach someone even if you're in a different time zone. Have your card number ready if you can, but Chase can look up your account using your name and date of birth.
Chase will cancel your card right away to prevent unauthorized charges. They can issue a replacement card to be mailed to your home address, but that won't help you while you're traveling. Instead, ask about emergency cash options — Chase can sometimes arrange for cash to be available at a nearby Chase branch or partner bank within a few hours, depending on where you are.
If you're stranded without access to cash or another card, contact your bank's travel assistance line (the number is usually on your statement or in your online account). They can help you arrange emergency funds or connect you with local resources. This is another reason to notify Chase before you travel — they'll have your trip details on file and can respond faster if something goes wrong.
Comparing Chase cards for international travel
| Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | None | $95 | Frequent travelers who want to offset the annual fee with rewards and fee savings |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | None | $550 | High-spending travelers who use premium travel benefits |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 3% | None | Occasional travelers who don't want an annual fee |
| Chase Freedom | 3% | None | Occasional travelers focused on earning rewards at home |
| Chase Slate | 3% | None | Travelers prioritizing balance transfer options over rewards |
If you travel internationally more than once a year, the math often works in favor of a no-foreign-transaction-fee card. On a $5,000 trip, the 3% fee costs $150. If you travel twice a year, that's $300 in fees — enough to cover the $95 annual fee on the Sapphire Preferred and still come out ahead. For occasional travelers, paying the 3% fee on a card with no annual fee is usually the cheaper choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tell Chase I'm traveling before I leave?
You should notify Chase before traveling to prevent your card from being blocked as a fraud precaution. You can do this through the Chase app, online at chase.com, or by calling the number on your card. This takes a few minutes and can save you the hassle of having your card declined when you're trying to pay for a hotel or meal.
What's the difference between a foreign transaction fee and dynamic currency conversion?
A foreign transaction fee is what Chase charges you — typically 3% of the converted purchase amount. Dynamic currency conversion is when a foreign merchant offers to charge your card in U.S. dollars instead of their local currency. The merchant's exchange rate is almost always worse than your bank's rate, so you end up paying more even though you avoid the foreign transaction fee. Always choose to be charged in the local currency.
Can I use my Chase card at restaurants and shops in other countries?
Yes, your Chase card works at most restaurants, shops, and businesses worldwide that accept Visa or Mastercard (depending on which Chase card you have). Chip-and-PIN technology is standard, so terminals will read your card. In some countries, smaller vendors or rural areas may only accept cash, so it's good to carry some local currency as backup.
Will my Chase card work if I'm traveling to a country with a different currency?
Yes. Your card works in any country that accepts Visa or Mastercard, regardless of the local currency. Chase automatically converts the local currency to U.S. dollars at their exchange rate and charges the foreign transaction fee (on most cards) on top of the converted amount. You'll see the U.S. dollar amount on your statement a day or two after the purchase.
What should I do if a terminal declines my Chase card abroad?
First, try a different terminal or merchant — the issue is usually with the machine or connection, not your card. If multiple terminals decline your card, contact Chase immediately using the number on the back of your card. They can check whether your card has been flagged or if there's a technical issue. Having notified Chase of your travel beforehand helps prevent these problems.